The Indian pitta is a passerine bird native to the Indian subcontinent. It inhabits scrub jungle, deciduous and dense evergreen forest. It breeds in the forests of the Himalayas, hills of central and western India, and migrates to other parts of the peninsula in winter. Although very colourful, it is usually shy and hidden in the undergrowth where it picks insects on the forest floor. It has a distinctive two note whistling call which is heard at dawn and dusk. It is listed as least concern on the IUCN Red List as the population is considered large.
Region
South Asia
Typical Environment
Breeds mainly in the Himalayan foothills, central and western India, and parts of the subcontinent, moving southward in winter to peninsular India and Sri Lanka. Prefers dense undergrowth in deciduous and evergreen forests, thickets, and scrubby edges. It also uses bamboo brakes, plantations, and overgrown gardens with ample leaf litter. In winter it spreads widely through lowlands and wooded countryside. Often stays close to shaded, moist areas where invertebrates are abundant.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also known as the 'navranga' or 'nine-coloured bird' in Hindi, the Indian pitta is famed for its vivid palette and loud two-note whistle, most often heard at dawn and dusk. It forages by flicking aside leaf litter to snatch insects, earthworms, and snails. The species builds a domed nest with a side entrance, usually low in a shrub or on a bank, during the monsoon. Although brightly coloured, it is shy and keeps to dense undergrowth.
Thomas Hardwicke's illustration - "short-tailed pelta" (1834)
A bird being measured at Point Calimere
Indian pitta in Kadigarh National Park, Bhaluka
Temperament
shy and secretive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, low dashes between cover
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, keeping close to dense ground cover. During the breeding season, both sexes build a domed nest of leaves and twigs low above the ground or on a bank. Clutches are small, and both parents participate in care. Territorial displays include calling from low perches and short pursuits through undergrowth.
Migratory Pattern
Seasonal migrant
Song Description
A loud, far-carrying two-note whistle often rendered as 'wheet-tee' or 'whit-tyeu', repeated at intervals. Most vocal at dawn and dusk, with calls that cut through forest sounds and help reveal otherwise hidden birds.
Plumage
Stocky, short-tailed bird with green upperparts, buff underparts, a bright cobalt-blue wing patch, and a vivid rufous-red vent. The crown is black with a broad buff supercilium and a dark eye-stripe; throat whitish. Feathers appear glossy and cleanly demarcated, giving a crisp, multicoloured look.
Diet
Feeds primarily on insects such as beetles, ants, termites, and crickets, along with earthworms and snails. It probes and flips leaf litter with its bill to expose prey. Occasionally takes small lizards or other invertebrates when available. Foraging is typically deliberate and ground-focused.
Preferred Environment
Forages on the forest floor in dense undergrowth, along shaded trails, and near moist patches rich in leaf litter. Also uses scrubby edges, plantations, and overgrown gardens with cover.
